Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Context: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) peoples may have distinct experiences of cancer that require attention to a wide range of factors (e.g., cultural understandings of healing, social determinants of health, access and continuity of care, etc.). The current research in progress explores the complex challenges and opportunities for improving care (including primary care) among FNIM peoples. Objectives: 1) Develop knowledge of FNIM cancer survivorship within Canada; 2) Identify barriers and facilitators of healing from the perspectives of FNIM cancer patients and health care professionals; 3) Work with community partners and stakeholders to translate this knowledge into culturally safe health services. Design: My postdoctoral research project builds upon a "parent" study of FNIM women's cancer survivorship through arts-based methodologies including photovoice and story journaling. The findings from these photos and stories will be the basis for semi-structured interviews with health care professionals who work with FNIM peoples with cancer. The current study uses critical phenomenology, an approach that situates experiences of illness and healing within larger social processes and power dynamics in health care settings Setting: Participants will be recruited from across Canada. Participants: 20 health care professionals from primary care and oncology who work regularly with FNIM patients. Anticipated Results: Patients and health care professionals will provide important insights into the current status of FNIM cancer care. Based on these insights, knowledge translation strategies that honour these diverse perspectives and needs will be developed. Conclusions: A report from this research will be disseminated to participants and project collaborators for their feedback on the next steps toward translating this knowledge into health services.